Ubisoft, the French video game giant behind popular franchises such as Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Tom Clancy’s series, is facing a turbulent 2024. Plagued by a series of financial struggles, development delays, and internal challenges, the company’s future remains uncertain, with speculation mounting that Ubisoft could be preparing to go private in an effort to regain stability.
The year has seen multiple setbacks, including underperformance in key titles and delayed releases of anticipated games like Skull & Bones and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. This has compounded Ubisoft’s ongoing financial troubles, with the company suffering a decline in stock value and disappointing revenue figures. Internal reports suggest the company has struggled to maintain its position in an increasingly competitive gaming market, particularly as industry giants like Sony, Microsoft, and Tencent continue to expand their influence.
In September, Ubisoft’s share price fell to the lowest value in years following the poor sales of Star Wars Outlaws. Furthermore, it was announced that Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the latest entry in the series, would be delayed to February 2025 to prevent the company from repeating the same mistake.
One major factor driving the speculation about Ubisoft going private is the potential interest from the Guillemot family, which founded the company and still holds a significant stake. The move to privatization could allow Ubisoft to restructure without the pressure of public market expectations, providing the flexibility to navigate current challenges and focus on long-term strategic goals.
While no official announcement has been made, insiders believe that the Guillemots are weighing their options as they seek to stabilize Ubisoft and chart a path forward in a rapidly evolving industry. If the company does go private, it could mark a significant turning point for one of the most iconic names in gaming.